PIF began its first Apprenticeship Program in spring 2024 and will host its second cohort in 2025! Through hands-on farm work, farmer mentorship, training sessions, and short courses, PIF’s Apprenticeship Program will provide each apprentice with the necessary business and farming skills to launch their own agricultural enterprise. Four apprentices will be selected for the 2025/2026 program.

Applications will open in 2025.

This program is supported by USDA Beginning Farmer and Ranchers Development Program under grant award #2023-49400-40880.

Farming is hard work. This apprenticeship will be physically and intellectually demanding. While training at the farms, you will be working outside conducting physical activities in all kinds of weather. If you are up for the challenge, it will definitely be rewarding! At the end of this apprenticeship, you will be equipped with the tools, knowledge, and skills to launch your agricultural enterprise. Are you excited? We are!

Here’s an overview of the requirements the apprentice is expected to complete – 

• 1 year apprenticeship program that starts March 2024 and ends February 2025
• Hands-on training on the farm for 20 hours per week for 1 year
• 8 Classes 
• 12 Training sessions
• Other educational opportunities (optional)

Here’s a breakdown of the requirements – 

• Hands-on farm training with experienced, regional farmers for 20 hours per week
  • 6 Months training at Farmer Constant’s Farm in Santa Fe, TX 
  • 3 Months training at PIF Network Farms 
  • 3 Months training at Houston Area Farms 

• 8 classes on farm and business topic
  • More information can be found here: Agriculture Class Series Information 

• 12 Training Sessions
  • Taught by  Dr. Joe Novack at Rice University’s Holistic Garden 
  • Hosted monthly, 5.5 hours each

• Ability to participate in other educational opportunities (optional)
  • Annual New American Farmer Conference hosted by Plant It Forward
  • Southern Family Farmers & Food Systems Conference hosted by the Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, Small Producers Initiative at Texas State University, and Council for Healthy Food Systems 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Mary Trimble at (832)258-2335 or mary@plantitforward.farm.

The application is currently closed and will open in 2025.  

The apprentice must be:

• 18 years or older to apply
• Of immigrant background (preference former refugee)
• Able to secure reliable transportation 
• Able to commit to a 1 year program 
• Able to commit to 20-30 hours per week
• Available during the daytime
• Physically able to perform the work of the trade with reasonable accommodations and without hazard to themselves or others
• Authorized to work in the United States

Our classes will be open to a larger audience. If you are interested in taking part of the classes, but will not be taking part in the Apprenticeship Program, you can get more information and register by clicking the button below.